January 2021 Archives - Page 2 of 2

Preschooler Pass Returns to LEGOLAND Florida

Families won’t want to miss their opportunity to register for LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s free Preschooler Pass that grants Florida Resident children ages 3-years-old and 4-years-old 12 months of admission to both LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park and Water Park PLUS access to select events.

The Preschooler Pass is available for a limited time until February 3, 2021.

LEGOLAND Florida Preschooler Pass Boating School — PHOTO/LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Chip Litherland

Both LEGOLAND Theme Park and Water Park are built for kids to take the lead, full of immersive experiences to suit all guests, and with over 60 percent of the theme parks’ rides built for guests 40 inches or taller, there’s a whole host of attractions perfect for Preschoolers!

LEGOLAND Florida Preschooler Pass Florida Prepaid Schoolhouse — PHOTO / LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort

The Florida Prepaid Schoolhouse is a favorite attraction among preschoolers. As an indoor play area, the Schoolhouse features a stage, school-themed play equipment, DUPLO brick play areas, and a touchscreen where children can practice numbers and letters while exploring exciting future careers, from marine biologists to teachers.

LEGOLAND Florida Preschooler Pass DUPLO Valley — STAFF PHOTO / CHIP LITHERLAND

2021 will be an incredible year for pint-sized pirates and preschool playmates at the Resort, as LEGOLAND celebrates 10 Years of Awesome! The limited-time-offer pass grants admission to select 2021 events, including our all-new PirateFest Weekends in February and returning favorites like LEGO^® Friends Weekends and Heroes Weekends.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s Preschooler Pass will be available for a limited time at the Front Gate Will Call window only. Guests must bring a copy of their child’s birth certificate or travel passport for proof of age.

LEGOLAND Florida Preschooler Pass Park Entrance with Family — PHOTO / CHIP LITHERLAND

The Preschooler Pass is available exclusively for Florida Residents aged 3-years-old or 4-years-old. Children must be present when redeeming the Preschooler Pass at the ticket window. Guests ages 2-years-old and under will continue to receive free admission.

Learn more at legoland.com/florida/offers/preschooler-pass/!

2021 Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Starting January 8, 2021, the Walt Disney World Resort will welcome the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts daily until February 22, 2021.

While this year’s global celebration of the visual, culinary, and performing arts may look a little different, guests will still be able to enjoy a wide selection of activities for the entire family that is included in their admission to the park.

Visual Arts

To celebrate the visual arts, Festival guests will find the brilliant and diverse works of Disney and other invited artists on display in marketplaces encircling World Showcase Lagoon.

In addition to the outdoor art marketplaces, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy curated gallery collections throughout the park.

Culinary Arts

2021 Epcot Festival of the Arts Walt Disney World

Every year the Epcot culinary team creates a wide selection of culinary masterpieces that are both Instagrammable and delicious!

During the 2021 Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts, guests will enjoy these delectable creations at 15 Food Studios around the World Showcase Lagoon.

Performing Arts

At this year’s festival, guests will find new and returning artists performing on the American Gardens Theatre Stage and around World Showcase.

Festival guests will be able to catch performances by Epcot musical artists Mariachi Cobre and the JAMMitors, watch artists create magic before their eyes, and enjoy the brand-new showcase of Disney songs celebrating the artistry of Disney’s composers sung by the iconic Voices of Liberty.

Family Fun

One of my favorite things about the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts is that you not only get to see the arts, but you also get to participate in them by helping to create daily Festival murals.

Also, families will want to join an artful scavenger hunt as you search for Figment around World Showcase to earn a fun prize.

Photo Locations

Epcot Festival of the Arts — This is obviously an older photo, but please keep in mind that face coverings must be worn at all times while you are in the park.

The Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts gives guests the unique opportunity to “Step into” life-sized versions of some of the most-admired artwork from around the world.

Festival Merchandise

And while you are enjoying the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts, don’t miss your chance to purchase exclusive festival merchandise featuring some of your favorite Disney characters.

If you are interested in attending the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts, please remember that all guests ages three and older must have a park reservation in addition to valid admission for the same park on the same date.

For more information about the Walt Disney World Resort Park Pass Reservation System, a reservation availability calendar, and Florida Resident hotel and ticket offers, visit this website.

Know Before You Go: Park Hopping in 2021

2021 is kicking off with an awesome start, because Park Hopping has returned to the theme parks of the Walt Disney World Resort!!!

Starting January 1, 2021, guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort who have purchased a ticket or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day.

I know you’re as stoked as I am, but before you go there are a few things to keep in mind about the park hopping process since it is a little different than we are used to using.

Know Before You Go: Park Hopping in 2021

Reservations are Required…

With the updated Park Hopper experience, guests must make a Disney Park Pass reservation using the DisneyWorld.com/ParkHours or the My Disney Experience app for the first park they plan to visit that day.

If you want to park hop, you MUST enter using that first Park Pass reservation prior to visiting another.

Park Hopping Hours

When planning your park hopping experience it is important to know that park hopping hours start at 2 p.m. each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time.

Arriving Early

If you arrive at your second park prior to 2 p.m. you will be directed to a queue outside of the theme park’s touchpoints.

Park Hopping Limits

Currently, there is no limit on park hopping and guests can travel to more than two theme parks a day based on availability.

Park Hopping Planning

Walt Disney World is already hard at work to make the park hopping process easier!

Soon guests will be able to find up-to-date Park Hopper hours and helpful information to plan their day by visiting DisneyWorld.com/ParkHours website or using the My Disney Experience app.

Safety

These park hopping modifications are designed to help the Walt Disney World theme parks continue to manage attendance in a way that fosters physical distancing.

Please note that all other enhanced health and safety measures remain in effect including face coverings required for all guests ages two and up.

Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket

Walt Disney World is offering a special deal to Florida residents looking to start 2021 off with a little magic with the new Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket.

This special offer invites guests to visit the four theme parks of the Walt Disney World Resort now through June 18, 2021, subject to blockout dates, for just under $50 per day plus tax.

The Florida Resident Discover Disney tickets can be used on consecutive or non-consecutive days—so you can spread out the fun!

Discover Disney Tickets are valid for admission to one theme park per day (park reservations via the Disney Park Pass system are required). You can also choose a Discover Disney Ticket that includes the Park Hopper Option.

As always, make sure to follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for updates and fun around the City Beautiful!!!

Pirate and Princess Weekends Return to Gaylord Palms Resort

The Gaylord Palms Resort is welcoming guests to enjoy a bounty of family-fun both inside the resort’s atriums and outside at Cypress Springs Water Park during their Pirate and Princess Weekends until March 7, 2021.

Pirate and Princess Weekends invites guests to join the story of the Captain and his crew of notorious pirates who have plundered the Florida Coast in search of The Princess’s priceless treasure. The pirates have made Gaylord Palms Resort their outpost commandeering the resort’s Everglades Swamp, and guests will get to embark on their own adventure as they choose to take the pirate oath or become an honorary princess or prince for the day.

This year several new Pirate and Princess Weekend activities have been added to the line-up of swashbuckling fun that includes the Pirate Pool Party with Jolly Roger, the Princess Academy show where tales of The Princess and the Swordmistress are brought to life, and an exciting journey with Adventure Kid Sophie and friends as they explore the natural world we live in during Adventure Kids: Join the Club.

Pirate and Princess Weekends 2021 Gaylord Palms Resort

The new Pirate Outpost Invasion deep in the newly established Everglades Outpost is an interactive show experience where guests will hear tales of adventure, swashbuckling music, and enjoy a sip of The Captain’s brew. But take heed, because the pirates have made anchor in a nearby harbor and could invade at any time! Experience includes special pirate keepsakes. To allow for social distancing, tickets will be time-specific and capacity will be limited.

Guests can wet their whistle among relics from past treasure hunting voyages and the pirates who scoured the seven seas to retrieve them in the resort’s new, hidden Pirate Speakeasy. These crafted cocktails are fit for a true buccaneer.

In addition to the Pirate and Princess Weekends events, resort guests can enjoy several daily activities.

The Princess’s Shiny Stash Treasure Hunt leads guests throughout 4.5 acres of the resort’s indoor gardens to find the precious treasures hidden from the Princess’s kingdom. But be careful, because pirates love treasure!

As night falls, guests will want to watch high above the trees inside the resort’s St. Augustine Atrium to see the Pirate & Princess Light Display. Each night colorful lights and imagery of swords clashing, waves crashing, pirate ships, crowns, tiaras, and brilliant jewels will appear creating the perfect close to a day of an exciting adventure.

The Wildlife Rescue Experience is a virtual adventure that guides guests throughout the resort to track down endangered species and help ensure that they are monitored for their protection. The experience highlights indigenous animals from Florida and, with the magic of augmented reality, brings them to life before the participants’ eyes.

In celebration of Pirate and Princess Weekends, the resort is offering a special package starting at $189. The package includes overnight accommodations, a Princess’s Shiny Stash Treasure Hunt Booklet, and tickets to the new Pirate Outpost Invasion interactive show. The package excludes resort fee and parking.

For more information, visit CLICK HERE.

As the safety of its guests and STARS (employees) is of paramount importance, Pirate and Princess Weekends has been developed in accordance with Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” program and with enhanced protocols and social distancing measures. Programming will also operate in consideration of the latest local, state, and federal legislation.

Museum of Illusions Announces Opening Date

Museum of Illusions Orlando ICON Park — Photo: Museum of Illusions Orlando

Museum of Illusions Orlando, a mind-bending “edutainment” experience where guests enter the fascinating world of mental deception, is opening to the public on January 9, 2021.

Situated on International Drive at ICON Park, this is the first Florida outpost and 20th location for the rapidly-expanding Museum of Illusions brand that started in Zagreb, Croatia in 2015.

With over 50 intriguing exhibits, Museum of Illusions offers more eye-fooling fun under one roof than any other destination in Central Florida. From January 9 to January 31, Orlando residents and visitors can enjoy special “preview days” pricing for $15 per person of any age, a $10 savings off full-price, regular adult admission. Children two and under are free.

The museum’s collection of interactive, immersive, and distinctly incomprehensible exhibits are based on math, science, and psychology.

Visitors are prompted to learn about the tricks of perception and how the human brain works as they move through each exhibit. Imaginations can run free in the vast expanse of the Infinity Room, defy the laws of gravity in the Reverse Room, and shrink to miniature size in the Ames Room — all while capturing a coveted, baffling photo.

With uniquely mind-boggling backdrops – including several designed just for the Central Florida location — Orlando’s newest museum offers photo opportunities that visitors won’t find anywhere else in the area.

“Many international guests are familiar with our concept through social networking,” said Museum of Illusions Orlando General Manager George Youngdahl. “We can’t wait to bring our museum to Central Florida – there’s nothing quite like it here.”

In addition to its core collection, the museum’s climate-controlled building, 1-2-hour experience, free parking at ICON Park, and adjacency to food and beverage outlets, make it a winning entertainment option for inquisitive minds of all ages.

Guests can purchase puzzles, mind-tricking games, and other souvenirs in the museum’s gift shop.

Operating hours are 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Orlando’s newest museum will launch with a variety of COVID-19 safety measures in place, including mandatory face masks, limited capacity, designated time slots, one-way paths through exhibits, ongoing cleaning by staff, and hand sanitizers and wipes for guests.

Purchase tickets and learn more at https://orlando.museumofillusions.us/. To make group sales reservations, call 386-256-1001 or toll free 833-541-0992. Museum of Illusions Orlando is located at ICON Park, 8441 International Drive Suite #250 Orlando, Florida, 32819.

2021 Food Events at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is offering the perfect gift option for foodies this holiday season – tickets to one of three food and beverage events hosted by the resort on January 16, February 7, and February 27, 2021.

Sip, Savor and Stay Saturdays Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Fall 2020 September 2020 October 2020

On January 16 and February 27, the resort will host Food & Wine Classic: A Taste of Swan and Dolphin from 5:30-8:00 p.m., with each event offering 10 food stations from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and more than 50 beverage offerings. Both will feature live entertainment and unlimited food and beverage tastings, including dessert selections from the hotel’s world champion pastry chef, Laurent Branlard.

Highlights include:

Roasted organic pumpkin ravioli gnudi with seared sea scallop, whipped ricotta cheese, and pumpkin gremolata (served by Todd English’s bluezoo at the January 16 event)
Surf and Turf featuring roasted Linz heritage Angus prime strip loin and marinated shrimp with creamed spinach and sauce foyot (served by Shula’s Steak House at the Feb. 27 event).

For the sports-centric foodie, the resort will for the first time host a Big Game Tailgate Watch Party Sunday, Feb. 7 at 6:00 p.m. The event will begin 30 minutes prior to kickoff and last through the end of the game. While watching all the action, guests can enjoy seven food stations and unlimited craft beer and wine. Menu highlights include crispy fried chicken wings with an array of sauces, Angus beef sliders, carne asada tacos, Italian sausage sandwiches, a selection of desserts, and more.

Each event will feature different menu items so attendees will have a distinct experience each time. Guests will enjoy an intimate atmosphere and experience the latest in responsible food delivery safety measures and social distancing procedures to ensure an entertaining, unforgettable, and mouthwatering experience.

Event-only tickets can be purchased online at SwanDolphinFoodAndWineClassic.com for $110 per person. Room packages start at $359 and include event access for two adults. To book, call 1-888-828-8850 between 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. weekdays; 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Events are limited to those 21 years and older.

Among the protocols implemented for each event are temperature checks at the entrance; plexiglass walls for all food service areas; all cast members wearing PPE; socially distanced event space; seating available to accommodate each party at their own table; touchless menus and clearly marked social distancing signage.

For more information, visit SwanDolphinFoodAndWineClassic.com.

Frontyard Festival at the Dr. Phillips Center

The Dr. Phillips Center has kicked-off the Frontyard Festival, a series of live entertainment events featuring local artists designed to bring people together to enjoy the arts.

“COVID-19 has created significant challenges for performing arts centers and stages around the world,” said Dr. Phillips Center President and CEO Kathy Ramsberger. “To keep our mission moving forward, our team has come up with a unique way for guests to re-connect and re-engage with one another and enjoy live entertainment and culture again. This big idea is gaining fantastic support by sponsors, partners, and artists.”

The Frontyard Festival transforms the outdoor areas in front of the Dr. Phillips Center’s three front parcels, including the Seneff Arts Plaza, into the region’s most unique, dedicated outdoor entertainment venue that will showcase a diverse mix of music, comedy, films, health and wellness programs, and local community arts performances.

Dr Phillips Center Front Yard Festival - view

“Fully activating the arts center’s front parcels and Seneff Arts Plaza has always been part of our long-range plan,” said Ramsberger. “We had intended to complete Phase 2—Steinmetz Hall and The Green Room—then turn our attention to conceptualizing how we could transform the plaza into a vibrant, active outdoor space for the arts, entertainment, and wellness.”

In addition to the live entertainment plus health and wellness programs, several local restaurants and popular food trucks will be on-site each day offering seasonal menus, beer, wine, and cocktails for purchase.

Many performances will require the advance purchase of tickets, allowing artists and arts groups to generate much-needed revenue. There are also additional daytime programs showcasing professional musicians at no cost to attend.

“More than anything, we’re excited to produce a platform that will reunite artists and wellness instructors with live audiences,” Ramsberger said.

Health & Safety First

To keep guests properly distanced from one another, the arts center has built 380 elevated seating “pods” inspired by a similar outdoor venue created at the Virgin Money Unity Arena in Newcastle, UK.

Each 5’ x 7’ pod, which can seat up to five guests, has been built using metal scaffolding materials with six feet of space between each pod.

Additional health and safety protocols, developed with guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities and the Dr. Phillips Center’s partner, AdventHealth, include a mask requirement, temperature checks prior to admission, and mobile purchasing options for tickets and Food Trucks.

“Arts and events not only help provide needed jobs and employment for our residents but also food for our souls,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “That’s why we are proud to partner with the Dr. Phillips Center as they create a new outdoor venue in our downtown. The space will help bring our arts back and bring our community safely together to gather, celebrate, relax, and be inspired.”

For more information and to purchase tickets to the Dr. Phillips Center Frontyard Festival, please visit their website.

Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2021

Today Walt Disney World announced that A Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will take place from January 8 to February 22, 2021!

The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts offers fun for the whole family, and here is a sketch of what you can expect when the event debuts in January:

Indulge in over 15 Food Studios serving culinary art all around World Showcase
Explore and purchase the brilliant and diverse work of Disney and other invited artists on display in marketplaces encircling World Showcase Lagoon
Step into the scene at special photo locations scattered around the park
Participate in a paint-by-number mural that serves as a collaborative art project for all
Watch as visiting artists create magic right before your eyes
Catch performances by favorite EPCOT musical artists Mariachi Cobre and the JAMMitors.
Join an artful scavenger hunt as you search for Figment around World Showcase
Shop for festival-exclusive merchandise

And if you’re already looking forward to attending the festival, now is the perfect time to explore how you can complete your dream vacation at Walt Disney World Resort with a special offer for stays at Disney Resort hotels in early 2021.

To find out more about this special Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts offer, check out the official Walt Disney World website for more details.

The Walt Disney World Resort is considering the importance of guest flexibility when planning any vacation right now and is going to continue to waive Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for arrivals through April 30, 2021.

We are really excited about the debut of the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts in early 2021 and look forward to sharing more details as they become available!

You can find more information about events around Orlando, theme park news, and insider tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!